FAUQUIER COUNTY, Va. — Virginia State Police are investigating a fatal two-vehicle crash that occurred early Friday, Sept. 19, 2025 on Route 17.
At 2:39 a.m., a 2020 Harley-Davidson motorcycle traveling northbound struck the rear of a 2015 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD that was stopped in the travel lane with its lights off.
The motorcyclist, Justin P. Murphy, 42, of Fredericksburg, died at the scene. Police said he was wearing a helmet.
According to family member’s Facebook post, Murphy was a Lieutenant Colonel in the Marines with more than 20 years of service. He also had a young son.
The driver of the Silverado, Arturo Ayala Martinez, 37, of Catlett, was not injured. Martinez has been charged with driving while intoxicated – manslaughter.
The crash remains under investigation.
